The University of Wisconsin-Superior is proud to announce the launch of its fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree, starting Spring Semester 2026, with applications now being accepted.

Through a statewide collaboration with the Universities of Wisconsin BSN@Home program, this degree allows students to experience the personal, supportive environment of UW-Superior while accessing top faculty and courses from all seven participating UW institutions.

As the inaugural RN to BSN program director at UW-Superior, Lorraine Smith, DNP, MSN, RN, CCHP brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for running an organized, efficient program. Before joining UW-Superior, she served as an associate professor of nursing at UW-Eau Claire. With over 25 years of experience, she is renowned for her positive, approachable demeanor and outstanding accomplishments

“I’m excited about the energy behind this new program,” said Smith, affectionately known as “Dr. Lo” by her students. “The enthusiasm is really driving things forward, and it’s coming from both the campus and the community, which shows how welcoming they are of a nursing program here at UW-Superior. It’s heartwarming to step into a role where such strong support exists.”

Within the BSN@Home program, students choose a home campus from among the seven participating UW campuses. The school selected by the student is considered their “home campus,” where they receive support and advising, establish clinical placements, register for classes, apply for financial aid and earn their degree.

While the flexibility of the online RN to BSN Program allows students to continue working while pursuing their degree, they are certainly not alone on their academic journey. In addition to benefiting from UW-Superior’s welcoming, supportive online campus community, students will have access to expert instructors and the best courses from all seven participating Universities of Wisconsin campuses.

“The outstanding thing about the program is that it’s nurses advising nurses,” said Smith. “We can mentor these students, understand their career aspirations, and help them find their path.”

Students can easily transfer credits from their associate degree in nursing (ADN) to UW-Superior’s RN to BSN Program. In addition to a seamless pathway from the Wisconsin Technical College System, the university has established transfer agreements with several community and technical colleges to ensure a smooth transfer process. These include Northwood Technical College, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Lake Superior College, Gogebic Community College and Minnesota North College. Credits from other accredited ADN or Diploma in Nursing programs may also transfer upon review.

UW-Superior is uniquely positioned to offer students the opportunity to complete clinical requirements locally in the Superior and Duluth areas – or even at a location convenient to the student’s home.

UW-Superior will host BSN@Home Information Sessions Wednesday, November 19, from 4 to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, January 27, from 11 a.m. to noon; Wednesday, February 25, from noon to 1 p.m.; Thursday, April 2, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, June 9, from noon to 1 p.m. Registration is available online.